MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE

Sicily by Sail Palermo to Valletta Aboard Sea Cloud II September 24 – October 2, 2021 MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE

Dear Travelers and Friends, From its mountains and sunlit beaches to its luscious citrus orchards and verdant pastures, exudes an irresistible magnetism. Amid that natural beauty, the island holds abundant historic treasures. These jewels of art and architecture offer evidence of the many cultures who’ve conquered Sicily, including Phoenicians, ancient Greeks, Arabs, and Normans. Join us to discover an enchanting island on a weeklong cruise aboard the luxurious three-masted Sea Cloud II. Traveling with us will be an internationally acclaimed scholar of medieval art from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Personal access to fascinating experts is one of the features of all the trips offered by the Museum Travel Alliance. Begin in Palermo, where nothing will prepare you for the 12th-century Cappella Palatina, whose sparkling golden mosaics elicit gasps of amazement from visitors. One after the other, marvels follow, including the astonishing ancient Greek structures in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples. Stroll among exquisite Baroque architecture in charming Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich Islamic history. In Syracuse, founded in the 8th century B.C., highlights include a tour of its timeless cathedral, a viewing of ’s The Burial of Saint Lucy in a sumptuous Baroque church, and a private reception with a Sicilian baron at his gorgeous palazzo. Sail to , another UNESCO World Heritage Site, to admire its ornate Baroque cathedral, where vestiges of its original 11th-century structure remain; CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS the well-preserved grandeur of the 13th-century Castello Ursino; and a winery tour and tasting on EXPERIENCE the thrill of sailing aboard the the slopes of legendary . We will elegant Sea Cloud II, circumnavigating beautiful conclude with a lovely day cruising the Sicily on azure waters, stopping in rugged green Mediterranean before disembarking in Valletta, harbors, and disembarking at ancient towns Malta. An optional prelude is offered in Palermo, that were once centers of the Greco-Roman, where you may explore its UNESCO-recognized Carthaginian, and Byzantine worlds Arab-Norman architecture. We will travel in the company of members BEHOLD the gleaming golden mosaics from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The National of Palermo’s 12th-century Cappella Palatina, Trust for Historic Preservation, and the alumni a breathtaking example of Arab-Norman- associations of Harvard, University of Notre Dame, Byzantine style and William & Mary. I hope you will join us aboard Sea Cloud II on this enriching voyage around a EXPLORE ancient Agrigento, one of Sicily’s stunning and historic island. oldest cities and a Greek colony in the 6th century Sincerely, B.C., and marvel at its seven well-preserved Doric structures in the Valley of the Temples, some of the finest Greek ruins in the world Jim Friedlander ENJOY a private tour of a Syracuse palazzo President, Museum Travel Alliance by special invitation with its owner, a Sicilian baron, and gaze upon this repurposed medieval building’s frescoes, sculptures, and massive crystal chandeliers while enjoying light refreshments Before arriving in Sicily, you're invited to experience the splendors of the Adriatic aboard DISCOVER the 7th-century Cathedral of Sea Cloud II. When you book this Sicily program, Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you can also join the preceding voyage, “Adriatic was integrated into the ruins of the 2,500-year-old Odyssey: Venice to Palermo,” from September Temple of Athena, and admire the contrast of its 17–25, 2021, and receive $2,500 per person off the ancient Doric columns and Baroque façade combined fare for the two trips. Sicily by Sail Palermo to Valletta Aboard Sea Cloud II September 24 – October 2, 2021

Tyrrhenian TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28: POZZALLO / NOTO This morning, arrive in Pozzallo and drive to the exquisitely Sea preserved town of Noto. This Baroque jewel is situated on a plateau surrounded by olive and almond groves. In the beautiful historic center, see Corso Vittorio Emanuele, an Trapani Palermo elegantly manicured walkway flanked by buildings of golden Segesta sandstone, where every façade is embellished with sculptures SICILY of gods, mythical beasts, saints, and angels. Spend the Agrigento Catania afternoon at sea sailing to Syracuse. B,L,D Piazza Armerina WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: SYRACUSE Porto Today we explore Syracuse, one of the most important cities Empedocle Syracuse in antiquity, touted by Cicero as “the greatest Greek city.” Noto Discover the well-preserved Greek and Roman theaters of Pozzallo the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. On beautiful Ortygia Mediterranean Island, see the cathedral built on the ruins of the Tempio di Sea Atena (Temple of Athena), and see Caravaggio’s Burial of Saint Lucy in the Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia, an exquisite MALTA Baroque church. By special invitation, we will visit the Baroque Valletta palazzo of a Sicilian baron, who will welcome us for a tour followed by cocktails. B,L,R,D

An optional prelude in Palermo is offered from Syracuse Cathedral September 22–25, 2021.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24: DEPARTURE Depart on an overnight flight to Palermo, Sicily.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25: PALERMO, SICILY / EMBARK SEA CLOUD II Arrive this morning in Palermo and gather for lunch. This afternoon, board the elegant Sea Cloud II. L,D

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: PALERMO / TRAPANI Step ashore this morning for a visit to the dazzling, 12th-century Cappella Palatina, known for its extraordinary golden mosaics, in the Palazzo dei Normanni. Afterwards, stop at Palazzo Abatellis to admire Antonello da Messina’s outstanding Virgin Annunciate. Enjoy a reception at a private palazzo before continuing to Segesta. Explore its splendid Doric temple, beautifully preserved yet strangely unfinished, whose columns are said to produce organ-like tones on windy days. Rejoin Sea Cloud II this evening in Trapani, and attend the captain’s welcome dinner. B,R,D

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: PORTO EMPEDOCLE Anchor in Porto Empedocle for a drive to Agrigento, which Pindar called “the most beautiful city built by mortal men.” Tour the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) and marvel at the Tempio della Concordia (Temple of Concordia), perhaps the best- preserved Greek temple in the world. B,L,D Mt. Etna SEA CLOUD II

LIDO DECK

402 Y LIDO BAR LOUNGE

401 LIBRAR

PROMENADE DECK

318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 DINING ROOM

RECEPTION 301 319 317 315 311 309307 305 303 BOUTIQUE

CABIN DECK

230 228 226 224 222220 218 216 214 212 210 208 206 204

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: CATANIA / GYM 207 205 SAUNA 231 229 227 225 223221 219 217 215 211 209 PIAZZA ARMERINA DOCTOR WATER-SPORTS PLATFORM This morning take a walking tour of Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Baroque monuments. CRUISE RATES Stop in the historic center to see the cathedral dedicated to St. (Per Person) Agatha, the nearby market, Castello Ursino, and the impressive Double Single Cabins Rates Rates Benedictine monastery. This afternoon, drive to Mount Etna, Cabins 204 to 206 $8,999 $10,999 Europe’s highest active volcano, for a tour of the legendary Cabin Deck. Upper/lower twin berths, shower. Benanti winery, followed by a wine tasting. Alternatively, travel in Superior Cabins 207 to 210 $10,999 $16,499 the morning to Piazza Armerina for a full-day excursion. Discover Cabin Deck. Twin beds, shower. the imperial Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Deluxe Cabins 211 to 217 & 224 to 231 $11,999 $17,999 Site, whose captivating collection of mosaics is considered the Cabin Deck. Twin beds, shower. most beautiful and well-preserved of its kind. B,L,R,D Deluxe Cabins 218 to 223 $13,999 $20,999 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1: DAY AT SEA Cabin Deck. Twin beds, shower. Experience the thrill of sailing aboard our elegant ship, Deluxe Cabins 301 & 302 $15,999 Inquire enjoying lectures and delighting in the grace and romance of Promenade Deck. Twin beds, shower. a bygone era of travel. Tonight the captain hosts a farewell Junior Suites 303 to 319 $17,999 Inquire reception and dinner. B,L,R,D Promenade Deck. Twin beds, bathtub with shower. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2: VALLETTA, MALTA / Owner’s Suites 401 & 402 $19,999 Inquire DISEMBARK Lido Deck. Queen-size bed, bathtub, and separate shower.

Disembark in Valletta and transfer to the airport for RATES INCLUDE flights home. B n Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Sea Cloud II DISCLAIMER: This itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Museum Travel Alliance. For complete details, please carefully read the terms n Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, and conditions at https://museumtravelalliance.com/faq.php. R=Reception, D=Dinner); bottled water, soft drinks, juices, and coffee/tea with all meals; thoughtfully selected wines and beer with onboard lunches and dinners; complimentary open bar during the cruise Mosaic, Villa Romana del Casale n Airport/pier/airport group transfers for all participants on suggested flights

n Enrichment program of lectures and special events

n Escorted sightseeing, transportation, and entrance fees for all included visits

n Gratuities to local guides and drivers; customary shipboard gratuities

n Taxes, service, and porterage charges

NOT INCLUDED IN RATES International airfare; passport/visa fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than as noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; excess baggage; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; trip insurance; optional Palermo prelude; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. ; SEA CLOUD II Segesta

MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE SICILY BY SAIL n SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 2, 2021 RESERVATION FORM

Sea Cloud II To reserve a place, please call Arrangements Abroad at phone: 212-514-8921 or 800-221-1944, fax: 212-344-7493; or complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Museum Travel Alliance. Mail to: Museum Travel Alliance, 1040 Sea Cloud II is a three-masted sailing yacht steeped in the elegance Avenue of the Americas, 23rd floor, New York, NY 10018-3721. of yesteryear and complemented with the most modern amenities. ______Sister ship of the legendary Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II has 47 outside Name(s) in full as on passport(s). Please print. cabins and travels under 23 billowing sails trimmed by hand. From ______the mahogany-paneled library and gracious lounge to the fitness area and watersports platform, no detail has been overlooked. ______Praised by the world’s most discerning travelers, Sea Cloud II Address receives consistent high rankings from Condé Nast Traveler. ______Passengers enjoy open seating at all meals and complimentary use City State Zip of all water sports equipment. A doctor is on call 24 hours a day. ______Please note: there is no elevator on Sea Cloud II. n Telephone (home) (business)

______Fax E-mail

ACCOMMODATIONS Sea Cloud II cabin preference (1) ______(2) ______

I wish to share a cabin with ______

OPTIONAL PALERMO PRELUDE p I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Palermo Hotel Room Preference p One bed p Two beds p Single

FORM OF PAYMENT p Enclosed is my check (payable to Museum Travel Alliance) p Credit card

______Name on credit card

______Credit card number

______3- or 4-digit security code Expiration date

I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this Program (see https://museumtravelalliance.com/faq.php to review or call for a copy). Each participant must sign below.

______Signature (required) Date

______Junior suite (above left); Deluxe cabin Signature (required) Date (above right); and Lido Deck Cover: Noto Cathedral B_21SC2PMO0924_MTA CST 2059789-40